One of TFMoran’s Structural Engineering projects is featured in the November 2017 issue of High-Profile, which will be distributed at the ABX2017 this week in Boston. We invite you to read the article below, or view the article in pdf format by clicking this link Ivory Keys Apartments High-Profile Article

TFMoran Preserves Piano Mill for Residential Use

Leominster, MA – In conjunction with Maugel Architects, Inc. of Harvard, Mass., TFMoran, Inc. of Bedford, N.H. provided structural design of the renovation of the historic Jewett Piano Case factory located at 140 Adams Street in Leominster, Mass. The plan to convert the timber-framed mill building into Ivory Keys Apartments, a 43-unit affordable residential apartment building, was spearheaded by Ivory Keys, LLC, an affiliate of L.D. Russo Inc. of Harvard, the developer and constructor of the project. The entire four-story mill structure was framed of wood, rather than brick masonry at the exteriors, which is more typical of mill buildings standing today.

Before the project began, the century-old historic mill building was in disrepair and vacant for several years. An extensive field investigation and evaluation conducted prior to beginning the project to determine the feasibility uncovered several issues, including a nearly one-foot lean of the building, water damage and lateral instability issues.

The project plans include foundation work and incorporating steel frames into the building to correct the lean, lateral instability and years of neglect.

In addition to structural repairs, a significant effort was made to preserve the nature of the historic mill. This included preserving the aesthetics of the exterior. Also, interior spaces will respect the history of the building, including preserving many pieces of the interior and exposing some existing timber structure as architectural features. The attractive and structurally sound Ivory Keys Apartments will offer studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom living options.

The renovation and addition of the 140 Adams Street project will complete the redevelopment of the commercial buildings in the Adams Street neighborhood.

Construction is well underway, and apartments are anticipated to be move-in ready for the spring of 2018.